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Denmark officially launched its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union this week, with a firm focus on tightening migration controls, boosting European defense, and strengthening economic competitiveness.
At the helm, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wasted no time laying out her priorities, calling for a “harder line” on migration and stressing the need for Europe to regain control of its borders.
“The current system isn’t working,” Frederiksen said. “Smugglers cannot be the ones deciding who enters Europe.” She added that individuals who commit serious crimes should be deported and have “no place in Europe.”
Among the measures Denmark plans to push are so-called “innovative solutions” to migration. That includes creating ‘return hubs’—facilities where individuals who cannot legally stay in Europe would be held until they are repatriated. Frederiksen believes there’s growing political momentum across Europe to support such ideas.
EU-US trade talks and Ukraine support
Denmark’s presidency comes at a tense time for Europe, with international developments likely to influence the agenda. Negotiations between the EU and the United States on trade tariffs remain unresolved, though European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism, saying a deal in principle is possible. Talks will continue after July 9, with EU Commissioner Maros Šefčovič currently in Washington for further discussions. If no agreement is reached, von der Leyen warned the EU is prepared to retaliate with its own measures.
Meanwhile, the U.S. decision to scale back military aid to Ukraine was a key topic during a surprise visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Aarhus. European leaders reaffirmed their support, saying they are exploring ways for EU member states to contribute directly to Ukraine’s defense, possibly through the SAFE financial mechanism. Their goal: €24 billion in military assistance to Kyiv, along with continued sanctions on Russia.
Despite resistance from Hungary, officials praised Ukraine’s “impressive progress” toward EU membership and pledged continued support for its European path.
